Rating the Volkswagen Game Day 2013 Commercial

In the midst of all the drama of Super Bowl XLVII, the 108 yards Kickoff Return by the Ravens’ Jacoby Jones, the power outage in the Superdome, I must address the Volkswagen game day commercial. There were quite a bit of controversy about it, but I do not see the point. It was an excellent effort by Volkswagen.

On a scale of 1 – 10, I would give this Commercial a 7. The effort by the actor speaking Jamaican Patios was commendable. Any Jamaican listening would agree that he is trying too hard. Speaking Jamaican is very fluid…it usually just flows. Good try Volkswagen. Big Up Jamaica! Nuff Respect!

It was supposed to be funny, whether it was or not is not even the point. People are too ready to be offended, I think. And who are these people who tell us we SHOULD be offended? It was a silly, light-hearted commercial with a guy going with the laid-back "life is good" stereotype people may have about Jamaica.

Now, what if the star of the commercial rolled down the windows of the Volkswagen and smoke came billowing out ala Cheech and Chong? Then would we REALLY be offended and would Volkswagen REALLY be racist? Or is that not a valid stereotype of Jamaica? Bet I touch a nerve with some people there....

Try to enjoy yourselves a little bit, folks, not everyone is out to offend you.

Too bad for the advertisers that I am sticking up for a little bit. It doesn't make me want to buy a Volkswagen. If I showed up to the office in a Volkswagen I'm sure everyone I know would think I'd lost my marbles. Probably a stereotype about me, is that fair?